HP provides service packs for its blade servers. They are distributed as iso images so you need to either burn the iso file to DVD (slow update) or create a bootable USB (fast). Unfortunately, the guide that HP provides for creating bootable USB does not work under Ubuntu 14.04 using syslinux version 4.05. When booted, you get a decent red screen saying illegal opcode with CPU registers on the screen.

I realised that the problem is caused by MBR. Somehow, syslinux in Ubuntu 14.04 causes illegal opcode when booted on HP hardware. After digging the internet, I found this e-mail thread which discusses the same problem. I didn't apply the exact steps mentioned the URL. Here is how you create bootable USB disk for HP Blades under Ubuntu 14.04.

Now you are ready to go. Plug out the drive and boot your blade. It should automatically start updating.

Note

I tried this process with Sandisk Extreme USB 3.0 thumb drive. It booted correctly, but it failed to boot with Sandisk Ultra USB 3.0. It seems that there is a difference between usb drives. Check your drive if it boots a live linux distribution.